2024 Irish general election
{{short description|Election to the 34th Dáil}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2024 Irish general election
| country = Ireland
| type = parliamentary
| ongoing = no
| previous_election = 2020 Irish general election
| previous_year = 2020
| turnout = 59.7% {{decrease}} 3.2pp{{Cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/1202/1484051-first-preference-vote-general-election-2024/ |title=In maps: First preference votes by party |date=2 December 2024 |work=RTÉ News |access-date=3 December 2024|quote=It is down again on 2020, having fallen to 59.7%. }}
| outgoing_members = 33rd Dáil
| elected_members = 34th Dáil
| next_election = Next Irish general election
| next_year = Next
| time_zone = GMT
Seat numbers will not be finalised until 100% reporting
| seats_for_election = 174 seats in Dáil Éireann{{efn|name="cc"|Including Seán Ó Fearghaíl (FF), returned automatically for Kildare South as outgoing Ceann Comhairle, under Art. 16.6 of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 1992.{{cite Irish legislation |year=1992|number=23|section=36|name=Electoral Act 1992|stitle=Re-election of outgoing Chairman of Dáil |access-date=19 November 2024|archive-date=11 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611091339/https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1992/act/23/section/36/enacted/en/html}}}}
| majority_seats = 88
| opinion_polls = Opinion polling for the 2024 Irish general election
| election_date = 29 November 2024
| image1 = {{CSS image crop|Image=Micheal Martin, 2025 (cropped).jpg|bSize=120|cWidth=120|cHeight=160|oTop=0|oLeft=0}}
| leader1 = Micheál Martin
| leader_since1 = 26 January 2011
| party1 = Fianna Fáil
| leaders_seat1 = Cork South-Central
| last_election1 = 38 seats, 22.2%
| seats1 = 48{{efn|name="cc"}}
| seat_change1 = {{increase}} 10{{efn|name=constituency revision}}
| popular_vote1 = 481,417
| percentage1 = 21.9%
| swing1 = {{decrease}} 0.3 pp
| image2 = {{CSS image crop|Image=Mary Lou McDonald, Feb 2024 01 (cropped).jpg|bSize=120|cWidth=120|cHeight=160|oTop=0|oLeft=0}}
| leader2 = Mary Lou McDonald
| leader_since2 = 10 February 2018
| party2 = Sinn Féin
| leaders_seat2 = Dublin Central
| last_election2 = 37 seats, 24.5%
| seats2 = 39
| seat_change2 = {{increase}} 2{{efn|name=constituency revision}}
| popular_vote2 = 418,627
| percentage2 = 19.0%
| swing2 = {{decrease}} 5.5 pp
| image3 = {{CSS image crop|Image=Simon Harris at the Special European Council - 2024 (cropped).jpg|bSize=120|cWidth=120|cHeight=160|oTop=0|oLeft=0}}
| leader3 = Simon Harris
| leader_since3 = 24 March 2024
| party3 = Fine Gael
| leaders_seat3 = Wicklow
| last_election3 = 35 seats, 20.9%
| seats3 = 38
| seat_change3 = {{increase}} 3{{efn|name=constituency revision|Includes constituency revision—so this is a nominal figure.}}
| popular_vote3 = 458,134
| percentage3 = 20.8%
| swing3 = {{decrease}} 0.1 pp
| image4 = {{CSS image crop|Image=Holly Cairns, April 2023 (headshot).jpg|bSize=120|cWidth=120|cHeight=160|oTop=0|oLeft=0}}
| leader4 = Holly Cairns
| leader_since4 = 26 February 2023
| party4 = Social Democrats (Ireland)
| leaders_seat4 = Cork South-West
| last_election4 = 6 seats, 2.9%
| seats4 = 11
| seat_change4 = {{increase}} 5{{efn|name=constituency revision}}
| popular_vote4 = 106,028
| percentage4 = 4.8%
| swing4 = {{increase}} 1.9 pp
| image5 = {{CSS image crop|Image=Ivana Bacik 2021 (cropped).jpg|bSize=120|cWidth=120|cHeight=160|oTop=0|oLeft=0}}
| leader5 = Ivana Bacik
| leader_since5 = 24 March 2022
| party5 = Labour Party (Ireland)
| leaders_seat5 = Dublin Bay South
| last_election5 = 6 seats, 4.4%
| seats5 = 11
| seat_change5 = {{increase}} 5{{efn|name=constituency revision}}
| popular_vote5 = 102,457
| percentage5 = 4.7%
| swing5 = {{increase}} 0.3 pp
| image6 = {{CSS image crop|Image=Michael Collins TD - 22 January 2025 (54281381195) (cropped).jpg|bSize=160|cWidth=120|cHeight=160|oTop=0|oLeft=20}}
| leader6 = Michael Collins
| leader_since6 = 10 November 2023
| party6 = Independent Ireland
| leaders_seat6 = Cork South-West
| last_election6 = New party
| seats6 = 4
| seat_change6 = New party
| popular_vote6 = 78,276
| percentage6 = 3.6%
| swing6 = New party
| image7 =
| leader7 = Collective leadership
| leader_since7 = N/A
| party7 = People Before Profit–Solidarity
| leaders_seat7 = N/A
| last_election7 = 5 seats, 2.6%
| seats7 = 3
| seat_change7 = {{decrease}} 2{{efn|name=constituency revision}}
| popular_vote7 = 62,481
| percentage7 = 2.8%
| swing7 = {{increase}} 0.2 pp
| image8 = {{CSS image crop|Image=Peadar Tóibín 2024 (cropped).jpg|bSize=120|cWidth=120|cHeight=160|oTop=0|oLeft=0}}
| leader8 = Peadar Tóibín
| leader_since8 = 28 January 2019
| party8 = Aontú
| leaders_seat8 = Meath West
| last_election8 = 1 seat, 1.9%
| seats8 = 2
| seat_change8 = {{increase}} 1{{efn|name=constituency revision}}
| popular_vote8 = 86,134
| percentage8 = 3.9%
| swing8 = {{Increase}} 2.0 pp
| image9 = {{CSS image crop|Image=Roderic O'Gorman, Dec 2024 - (54192951098) (cropped).jpg|bSize=120|cWidth=120|cHeight=160|oTop=0|oLeft=0}}
| leader9 = Roderic O'Gorman
| leader_since9 = 8 July 2024
| party9 = Green Party (Ireland)
| leaders_seat9 = Dublin West
| last_election9 = 12 seats, 7.1%
| seats9 = 1
| seat_change9 = {{decrease}} 11{{efn|name=constituency revision}}
| popular_vote9 = 66,911
| percentage9 = 3.0%
| swing9 = {{decrease}} 4.1 pp
| map = {{switcher
| 400px
| Election results and first-preference votes in each constituency.
| 400px
| Number of seats gained by each party in each constituency.}}
| title = Taoiseach
| posttitle = Taoiseach after election
| before_election = Simon Harris
| before_party = Fine Gael
| after_election = Micheál Martin
| after_party = Fianna Fáil
}}
File:Dail constituencies overview 2024.svg
The 2024 Irish general election to elect the 34th Dáil took place on Friday, 29 November 2024, following the dissolution of the 33rd Dáil on 8 November by President Michael D. Higgins at the request of Taoiseach Simon Harris. Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m UTC. It elected 174 Teachtaí Dála (TDs) across 43 constituencies of between 3 and 5 seats to Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas, Ireland's legislature. Under the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2023, the number of TDs was increased from 160 to 174, making it the largest Dáil in the history of the state, with an increase in the number of constituencies from 39 to 43. The main issues in the campaign were the cost of living, housing affordability and availability, immigration and asylum management, and economic stability amid external trade uncertainties, reflecting voter concerns despite the country's strong overall financial health.{{Cite web |date=24 November 2024|title=Irish election 2024: Will cost of living decide who wins? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxvdy58qxno |access-date=24 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124102742/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxvdy58qxno |archive-date=24 November 2024 }}{{Cite web |date=24 November 2024 |title=Ireland's election: the parties, the voting, the issues and the likely result |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/20/irelands-election-the-parties-the-voting-the-issues-and-the-likely-result |access-date=24 November 2024|website=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124104429/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/20/irelands-election-the-parties-the-voting-the-issues-and-the-likely-result |archive-date=24 November 2024 }}{{Cite web |date=24 November 2024|title=What to know about the Irish election – including polling and issues |url=https://news.sky.com/story/what-to-know-about-the-irish-election-including-polling-and-issues-13257323 |access-date=24 November 2024|website=Sky News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124104955/https://news.sky.com/story/what-to-know-about-the-irish-election-including-polling-and-issues-13257323 |archive-date=24 November 2024 }}
The election resulted in Fianna Fáil remaining as the largest party, increasing its number of seats to 48. Its governing partner Fine Gael won 38 seats, with the two parties combined winning 86 seats, two shy of a majority.{{Cite news |last=O'Carroll |first=Lisa |date=2024-12-02 |title=Centre-right Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael set to retain power in Ireland |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/02/ireland-election-centre-right-fianna-fail-fine-gael-to-retain-power |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |title=Irish general election: Fianna Fáil emerges as largest party |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpdnlv8n758o |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}} The Green Party, the third party of government, lost all but one of its seats, with only leader Roderic O'Gorman returning to the Dáil.{{Cite news |last=O'Carroll |first=Lisa |date=2024-12-01 |title=Irish Greens virtually wiped out in general election rout |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/01/irish-greens-face-virtual-wipeout-after-general-election-rout |access-date=2024-12-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Sinn Féin remained as the second largest party, winning 39 seats, while the Social Democrats and Labour each won 11 seats, an increase of five each.{{Cite web |last=Hurley |first=Sandra |date=1 December 2024 |title=Decisions ahead for Soc Dems and Labour leadership |website=RTÉ.ie |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1201/1484105-labour-soc-dems/}}
On 15 January 2025, the formation of a coalition government was agreed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and nine independents.{{Cite web |last=Halpin |first=Padraic |last2=Humphries |first2=Conor |date=15 January 2025 |title=Irish parties secure 'comfortable majority' for new government |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/irish-parties-secure-comfortable-majority-new-coalition-government-lawmaker-says-2025-01-15/ |website=Reuters}} Micheál Martin was appointed Taoiseach on 23 January 2025.
Background
The 33rd Dáil first met on 20 February 2020, and could have been dissolved no later than 19 February 2025. This meant that, per a calculation in The Irish Times, the latest date the election could have been held was 22 March 2025.{{cite news|last1=Leahy|first1=Pat|title=I've worked out when the general election is most likely to be|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=2 March 2024|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/03/02/pat-leahy-ive-worked-out-when-the-general-election-is-most-likely-to-be/|quote=The last possible polling day is Saturday, March 22nd, 2025|access-date=30 June 2024|archive-date=30 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630133626/https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/03/02/pat-leahy-ive-worked-out-when-the-general-election-is-most-likely-to-be/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/explained/2024-a-massive-year-of-elections-looms-1567817.html|website=BreakingNews.ie|first=James|last=Cox|publisher=The Irish Times DAC|title=2024: A massive year of elections looms|date=31 December 2023|access-date=1 July 2024|quote=The next general election has to be held by March 2025|archive-date=2 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702141133/https://www.breakingnews.ie/explained/2024-a-massive-year-of-elections-looms-1567817.html|url-status=live}}
In June 2020, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party formed a coalition government. The parties agreed on a rotation, with the two major party leaders alternating as Taoiseach.{{Cite news |date=26 June 2020 |title=FF, FG and Green Party agree historic coalition deal |publisher=RTÉ News and Current Affairs |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2020/0625/1149711-programme-for-government |url-status=live |access-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626213045/https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2020/0625/1149711-programme-for-government/ |archive-date=26 June 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Cunningham |first=Paul |date=9 November 2022 |title=Govt agrees 17 December as date for Taoiseach change |work=RTÉ News |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/1109/1335199-taoiseach-transfer-date/ |access-date=11 November 2022 |archive-date=10 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110075800/https://www.rte.ie/news/2022/1109/1335199-taoiseach-transfer-date/ |url-status=live }} Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, served as Taoiseach from 27 June 2020 to 17 December 2022; Leo Varadkar, leader of Fine Gael, served as Taoiseach from 17 December 2022 to 9 April 2024; and Simon Harris served as Taoiseach from 9 April 2024, shortly after succeeding Varadkar as Fine Gael leader.{{Cite book |last1=Coakley |first1=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pXLREAAAQBAJ&dq=Miche%C3%A1l+Martin+Fianna+F%C3%A1il+Taoiseach+from+27+June+2020+to+17+December+2022&pg=PT592 |title=Politics in the Republic of Ireland |last2=Gallagher |first2=Michael |last3=O'Malley |first3=Eoin |last4=Reidy |first4=Theresa |date=31 August 2023 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=978-1-000-90384-3}}{{Cite news |last=Henley |first=Jon |date=20 March 2024 |title=Leo Varadkar steps down as Irish prime minister in shock move |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/20/leo-varadkar-step-downs-as-irish-prime-minister-in-shock-move |access-date=30 November 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |title=Simon Harris becomes Ireland's youngest-ever prime minister |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/9/simon-harris-becomes-irelands-youngest-ever-prime-minister |access-date=30 November 2024 |website=Al Jazeera}}
For most of 2024, many pundits believed that an autumn election was likely; coalition leaders repeatedly said they would like the government to complete its full term but were open to an early election if the circumstances provided for it.{{Cite web |title=The timing of a general election – what options does Simon Harris have for going to the people? |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/11/the-timing-of-a-general-election-what-options-does-simon-harris-have-to-go-to-the-people/ |access-date=19 October 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en |archive-date=5 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005154040/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/11/the-timing-of-a-general-election-what-options-does-simon-harris-have-to-go-to-the-people/ |url-status=live }} Polling conducted in October 2024 indicated a majority of the public supported an early election to be held in November of the same year.{{cite web|url=https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/poll-nation-wants-a-general-election-now-despite-government-vow-to-go-full-term-to-next-year/a1808610656.html|work=Irish Independent|date=6 October 2024|title=Poll: Nation wants a general election now, despite government vow to go full-term to next year|access-date=20 October 2024|archive-date=6 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006095349/https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/poll-nation-wants-a-general-election-now-despite-government-vow-to-go-full-term-to-next-year/a1808610656.html|url-status=live}}
Following the announcement on 1 October 2024 of the 2025 budget, speculation began in earnest that an election would be called for November or December.{{Cite web |title=Election before Christmas? Okay, says Micheál Martin |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/election-before-christmas-ok-says-micheal-martin/ |access-date=19 October 2024|newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Taoiseach Simon Harris to 'engage with Coalition leaders' before deciding on election date after O'Gorman's comments |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/10/18/it-is-the-constitutional-prerogative-of-the-taoiseach-to-call-a-general-election-simon-harris-responds-to-ogormans-call-for-election-on-november-29th/ |access-date=19 October 2024|newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}} In late October, Harris said that he expected the election to be held before the end of 2024.{{Cite web |title=Simon Harris signals election will be in 2024 after 'couple of things' remaining for Government |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/10/20/simon-harris-signals-election-will-be-in-2024-after-couple-of-things-remaining-for-government/ |access-date=21 October 2024|newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}} On 6 November, Harris confirmed that he would seek a dissolution of the Dáil on 8 November.{{cite news |last1=Ó Cionnaith |first1=Fiachra |title=Taoiseach 'hopes' General Election will be on 29 November |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/1106/1479427-ireland-politics/ |work=RTÉ News |date=7 November 2024 |access-date=7 November 2024 |archive-date=6 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241106191021/https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/1106/1479427-ireland-politics/ |url-status=live }} Two days later, he asked the president to dissolve the Dáil.{{cite web | title = President signs warrant to dissolve 33rd Dáil | date = 8 November 2024 | website = RTÉ News | url = https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1108/1479774-end-33-dail-general-election/ }} Later that day, Darragh O'Brien, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, signed the order for the election to take place on 29 November 2024 and a three-week election campaign began.{{cite press release |title=Minister O'Brien signs Polling Day Order |url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/15c21-minister-obrien-signs-polling-day-order/ |publisher=Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |date=8 November 2024}}
To stand for election to Dáil Éireann, candidates must be Irish citizens aged at least 21, and if unaffiliated with a registered political party, they must secure either 30 assentors from the constituency or lodge a €500 deposit.{{Cite web |date=24 November 2024|title=gov.ie – General Election on 29 November 2024 |url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ff058-general-election-29-november-2024/ |access-date=24 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124095616/https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ff058-general-election-29-november-2024/ |archive-date=24 November 2024 }}
Constituency revision
In August 2023, the Electoral Commission proposed a Dáil size of 174 TDs to be elected in 43 Dáil constituencies – an increase of 14 TDs and four constituencies.{{cite web|title=Constituency Review Report 2023|url=https://ec-report.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/constituency-review-report-2023.pdf#page=7|website=Electoral Commission|pages=7|access-date=30 August 2023|archive-date=30 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830102132/https://ec-report.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/constituency-review-report-2023.pdf#page=7|url-status=live}} This was the first review of constituencies carried out by the Commission established under the Electoral Reform Act 2022, where previously they had been carried out by a Constituency Commission. This would be the largest size of the Dáil in the history of the State, surpassing the previous number of 166 TDs from 1981 to 2016.{{cite web|website=Law Society Gazette|date=8 May 2024|first=Lesley|last=O'Neill|url=https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/in-depth/2024/may/a-change-is-gonna-come|title=A change is gonna come|access-date=26 September 2024|archive-date=26 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926082205/https://www.lawsociety.ie/gazette/in-depth/2024/may/a-change-is-gonna-come|url-status=live}} The Electoral (Amendment) Act 2023 implemented the recommendations of the commission.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2023/act/40/schedule/enacted/en/html|title=Electoral (Amendment) Act 2023 – Schedule|work=Irish Statute Book|date=19 December 2023|access-date=1 July 2024|archive-date=2 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702141134/https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2023/act/40/schedule/enacted/en/html|url-status=live}}
The preliminary results of the 2022 census showed a population of over 5.1 million, which required a minimum Dáil size of 171 TDs.{{cite news|last1=McQuinn|first1=Cormac|title=Census results create a tricky and potentially controversial task for new Electoral Commission|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2022/06/23/electoral-commission-set-to-grapple-with-dail-numbers-in-wake-of-census-results/|access-date=28 June 2022|newspaper=The Irish Times|date=23 June 2022|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628023152/https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2022/06/23/electoral-commission-set-to-grapple-with-dail-numbers-in-wake-of-census-results/|url-status=live}} The Commission was required by law to recommend a size of the Dáil of between 171 and 181 TDs.{{Cite ISB|title=Electoral Reform Act 2022|year=2022|number=30|section=57|stitle=Constituency review reports|date=25 July 2022}} This range reflects the growth in the population of the state, and the requirement of Article 16.6.2° of the Constitution of Ireland that there be one TD elected for no less than every 20,000 of the population and no more than every 30,000.{{Cite news|last=McGee|first=Harry|title=Number of Dáil seats to reach record high after next election|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/number-of-d%C3%A1il-seats-to-reach-record-high-after-next-election-1.4851934|date=13 April 2022|access-date=11 May 2022|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en|archive-date=13 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413170724/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/number-of-d%C3%A1il-seats-to-reach-record-high-after-next-election-1.4851934|url-status=live}}
Electoral system
{{main|Single transferable vote}}
Under the system of single transferable vote (STV), each voter may mark any number of the candidates in order of preference. The quota is determined at the first count in each constituency by dividing the number of valid ballots by one more than the number of seats (for example, a quarter of the valid ballots in a three-seat constituency, a fifth of those in a four-seat constituency, and a sixth of those in a five-seat constituency) and then adding one vote – thus determining the number of votes that may be attained by only the number of seats to be filled. Any candidate reaching or exceeding the quota is elected.{{cite report |title=A Guide to Ireland's PR-STV Voting System |publisher=Ireland Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government |date=November 2018 |url=https://assets.gov.ie/111110/03f591cc-6312-4b21-8193-d4150169480e.pdf}}
If in the first count fewer candidates reach the quota than the number of seats to be filled, if any successful candidates have more votes than the quota, their surplus is distributed to remaining candidates based on the next usable marked preference on the ballot papers. If still it happens that fewer candidates have reached the quota than the number of seats to be filled, the last-placed candidate is excluded from the count and those ballot papers are transferred to the next usable marked preference. This is repeated until sufficient candidates have reached the quota to fill the available seats, or where a seat remains to be filled in a constituency and no candidate is capable of achieving a quota as there is nobody left to eliminate for a distribution, then the highest place candidate, even if not having quota, is deemed elected.{{cite web|url=http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2153_B.htm|title=Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives)|work=Inter-Parliamentary Union|access-date=24 March 2019|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307215059/http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2153_B.htm|url-status=live}}; {{cite web|url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1992/act/23/enacted/en/html|title=Electoral Act 1992 [Part XIX]|date=5 November 1992|access-date=15 January 2020|website=Irish Statute Book|archive-date=14 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114042407/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1992/act/23/enacted/en/html|url-status=live}}
Seán Ó Fearghaíl, as Ceann Comhairle immediately before the dissolution of the 33rd Dáil, was automatically deemed to be elected a member of the 34th Dáil Éireann.{{cite news |title=Tributes to Kildare TD who will step down as Ceann Comhairle |url=https://www.leinsterleader.ie/news/elections/1642824/tributes-to-kildare-td-who-will-step-down-as-ceann-comhairle.html |work=Leinster Leader |date=30 October 2024}} This is provided for under the Constitution and electoral law.{{cite ISB|year=1992|number=23|section=36|name=Electoral Act 1992|stitle=Re-election of outgoing Chairman of Dáil|date=5 November 1992|access-date=16 June 2020|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208044548/http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1992/act/23/section/36/enacted/en/htm}}
Vacancies
Four TDs were elected to the European Parliament and took office on 16 July, vacating their seats in the Dáil.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/analysis-and-comment/2024/0617/1455050-general-election-by-elections/|title=The loopholes to avoiding four by-elections|website=RTÉ News|date=17 June 2024|first=Paul|last=Cunningham|access-date=20 June 2024|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618012122/https://www.rte.ie/news/analysis-and-comment/2024/0617/1455050-general-election-by-elections/|url-status=live}} One TD, Joe Carey, resigned from the Dáil on grounds of ill health.{{Cite web|date=18 September 2024|title=Resignation of Member|work=Dáil Debates – Vol. 1058 No. 1|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2024-09-18/4/|access-date=24 September 2024|archive-date=18 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918190701/https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/2024-09-18/4/|url-status=live}}
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| TD
! Constituency ! colspan="2"|Party ! Date ! Reason |
|---|
| Barry Cowen
|{{party name with color|Fianna Fáil}} |16 July 2024 |Elected to the European Parliament |
| Kathleen Funchion
|{{party name with color|Sinn Féin}} |16 July 2024 |Elected to the European Parliament |
| Michael McNamara
|{{party name with color|Independent politician (Ireland)}} |16 July 2024 |Elected to the European Parliament |
| Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
|{{party name with color|Labour Party (Ireland)}} |16 July 2024 |Elected to the European Parliament |
| Joe Carey
|{{party name with color|Fine Gael}} |Resignation due to illness |
Retiring incumbents
Thirty outgoing members of the 33rd Dáil did not seek re-election:
{{notelist|group=incumbent}}
Candidates
{{Main|Candidates in the 2024 Irish general election}}
The 2024 general election featured 686 candidates and 20 registered political parties.{{Cite web |date=24 November 2024|title=The basics: A quick guide to Election 24 |website=RTÉ.ie |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1116/1479187-simple-guide-general-election-2024/ |access-date=24 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124095857/https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1116/1479187-simple-guide-general-election-2024/ |archive-date=24 November 2024 }} A record 248 candidates are women, which is 36% of the total and a 53% increase from 2020. This was driven by a new 40% gender quota for both men and women in political party nominations, though women remain significantly underrepresented in the Dáil and Cabinet.{{Cite news |date=17 November 2024|title=Largest number of women ever to contest General Election |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/1117/1481416-largest-number-of-women-ever-to-contest-general-election/ |language=en |publisher=RTÉ| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118113706/https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/1117/1481416-largest-number-of-women-ever-to-contest-general-election/ |archive-date=18 November 2024}}
| class="wikitable sortable collapsible"
! colspan=2 class="unsortable" |Parties ! Candidates ! Constituencies |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Fianna Fáil}}" |
| 82 | 43 |
|---|
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Fine Gael}}" |
| 80 | 43 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Sinn Féin}}" |
| 71 | 43 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Aontú}}" |
| Aontú | 43 | 43 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Green Party (Ireland)}}" |
| Green | 43 | 43 |
| style="background:{{party color|People Before Profit–Solidarity}};" |
| 42{{efn|group=parties|33 candidates are from People Before Profit and 9 candidates are from Solidarity}} | 42 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Labour Party (Ireland)}}" |
| Labour | 32 | 31 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Independent Ireland}}" |
| 28 | 23 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Social Democrats (Ireland)}}" |
| 26 | 25 |
| style="background-color: {{party color|The Irish People (party)}}" |
| 21{{efn|group=parties|name=National Alliance membership|Member party of National Alliance}} | 21 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Irish Freedom Party}}" |
| 16 | 16 |
| style="background-color: {{party color|National Party (Ireland, 2016)}}" |
| 9{{efn|group=parties|name=National Alliance membership}} | 9 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Liberty Republic}}" |
| 6 | 6 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Centre Party of Ireland}}" |
| 3 | 3 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Independents 4 Change}}" |
| 3 | 3 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Party for Animal Welfare}}" |
| 3 | 3 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Rabharta}}" |
| Rabharta | 3 | 3 |
| style="background-color: {{party color|Ireland First}}" |
| 2{{efn|group=parties|name=National Alliance membership}} | 2 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Right to Change}}" |
| 1 | 1 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|100% Redress}}" |
| 1 | 1 |
| class="unsortable" style="background-color: {{party color|Independent politician (Ireland)}}" |
| 171{{efn|group=parties|2 candidates are members of National Alliance}} | 43 |
{{notelist|group=parties}}
Campaign
In the first week of the campaign, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary, speaking at an event to launch the campaign of Peter Burke, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and an outgoing Fine Gael TD for Longford–Westmeath, criticised the number of former teachers in the Dáil and advocated for more private-sector professionals to address infrastructure challenges.{{cite news|date=11 November 2024|title=Michael O'Leary's comments on teachers: Tell us what you think|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/11/11/michael-olearys-comments-on-teachers-tell-us-what-you-think/|work=Irish Times|access-date=14 November 2024}} O'Leary's remarks were widely condemned by teaching unions and representatives of other parties as disrespectful to teachers and public servants.{{cite news|last=Ní Aodha|first=Gráinne|date=11 November 2024|title=Simon Harris calls Michael O'Leary's teacher comments 'crass and ill informed'|url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/general-election-2024/simon-harris-calls-michael-olearys-teacher-comments-crass-and-ill-informed-1694051.html|work=BreakingNews.ie|access-date=14 November 2024}}{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=David|date=14 November 2024|title=Unions criticise O'Leary over comments on teachers|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/1111/1480253-ireland-politics/|work=RTÉ News|access-date=14 November 2024}}{{cite news|date=11 November 2024|title=Ireland PM brands Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary comments on teachers 'crass and ill-informed'|url=https://news.sky.com/story/ireland-pm-brands-ryanair-ceo-michael-oleary-comments-on-teachers-crass-and-ill-informed-13252805|work=Sky News|access-date=14 November 2024}} O'Leary defended his comments as a call for professional diversity in politics, while some government leaders (such as former teacher Micheál Martin) distanced themselves from his views, emphasising the value of teachers' contributions to society.{{cite news|last=Heaney|first=Steven|date=11 November 2024|title=Michael O'Leary doubles down: 'Teachers not the best people to deliver change'|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41514131.html|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=14 November 2024}}
Following the first week of canvassing, the BBC suggested the primary issues in the campaign were the housing crisis, strained healthcare services, the rising cost of living, concerns over public spending and immigration reform.{{cite news |last=Sharkey |first=Kevin |date=17 November 2024 |title=Were politicians dancing around issues ahead of Irish election? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2041z03x2o |work=BBC News |access-date=21 November 2024}} The Guardian has suggested the main campaign issues are the cost of living, housing, healthcare funding, immigration, and the use of a €14 billion tax windfall following the resolution of Apple's EU tax dispute. It has suggested voters are concerned about rising living costs, high rents, and healthcare resources, while the topic of immigration has become polarising, with calls for tougher controls. The Apple windfall has sparked debates on whether it should fund housing, infrastructure, or social services.{{cite news |last=Henley |first=Jon |date=20 November 2024 |title=Ireland's election: the parties, the voting, the issues and the likely result |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/20/irelands-election-the-parties-the-voting-the-issues-and-the-likely-result |work=The Guardian }}
In addition to the criticism Fine Gael received due to their selection of John McGahon as a candidate, the party were also challenged during the campaign on their handling of Patsy O'Brien, a Mayo candidate expelled from the party in 2020 for sending inappropriate messages to a party staff member. Fine Gael cited privacy concerns for not disclosing the reason at the time, while opposition parties accused Fine Gael of hypocrisy, noting Fine Gael's call for political accountability during the campaign. O'Brien, now running as an Independent, refused to comment on the allegations, citing legal advice. Further scrutiny emerged around Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton, who canvassed with O'Brien in 2020 despite allegedly knowing about his misconduct.{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Philip |date=24 November 2024 |title=Hildegarde Naughton 'knew about inappropriate texts', yet backed councillor Patsy O'Brien, who was later expelled from Fine Gael |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/elections-2024/hildegarde-naughton-knew-about-inappropriate-texts-yet-backed-councillor-patsy-obrien-who-was-later-expelled-from-fine-gael/a1044886453.html |work=Irish Independent |access-date=24 November 2024}}{{cite news |last=Monahan|first=Tabitha |date=24 November 2024 |title=Independent candidate Patsy O'Brien refuses to comment on expulsion from Fine Gael four years ago |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/elections-2024/independent-candidate-patsy-obrien-refuses-to-comment-on-expulsion-from-fine-gael-four-years-ago/a1617473565.html |work=Irish Independent |location= |access-date=24 November 2024}}{{cite news |last=Ryan|first=Philip |date=24 November 2024 |title=Former Fine Gael councillor Patsy O'Brien expelled from party over sending inappropriate messages |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/elections-2024/former-fine-gael-councillor-patsy-obrien-expelled-from-party-over-sending-inappropriate-messages/a2122790814.html |location= |access-date=24 November 2024}}
On 22 November, during the final weekend of the campaign, Simon Harris walked away from an emotional exchange with Charlotte Fallon, a carer from St Joseph's Foundation, in Kanturk, County Cork. Fallon, a worker in a section 39 disability organisation, accused the government of neglecting carers and people with disabilities. Harris dismissed her claims, leading to a tense exchange and his abrupt departure after she called him "not a good man". The incident, captured on video by RTÉ News, drew criticism from activists and opposition politicians who condemned Harris for his dismissive response. Fallon later said she felt "shaken" and upset. Harris rang her the following morning to apologise, admitting he had been "harsh" and should have given her more time. Fine Gael deputy leader Helen McEntee defended Harris, citing the long day of campaigning.{{cite news |last=Bray |first=Jennifer |date=23 November 2024 |title=Disability worker says she was 'shaken' and in tears after exchange with Simon Harris |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/disability-worker-says-she-was-shaken-and-in-tears-after-exchange-with-fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-in-kanturk/ |work=Irish Times |location= |access-date=23 November 2024}}{{cite news |last=Maguire |first=Mairead |date=23 November 2024 |title=Carer at the centre of viral video of her confronting Taoiseach says she felt 'shaken' |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/simon-harris-general-election-carers-criticism-6551100-Nov2024/ |work=TheJournal.ie |location= |access-date=23 November 2024}}
On 23 November Philip Sutcliffe Snr, a councillor for Independent Ireland and candidate for Dublin South-Central, quit the party after controversy arose over his association with Conor McGregor following McGregor being found liable for rape in a civil trial. Another issue was Sutcliffe's reported interest in meeting career criminal Gerry Hutch, who also ran in the election. Sutcliffe faced criticism from party leadership, who deemed his actions and public statements inconsistent with their commitment to law and order.{{cite news |last=Hosford |first=Paul |date=23 November 2023 |title=Independent Ireland candidate resigns amid backlash over Conor McGregor association |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41522882.html |work=Irish Examiner |access-date=24 November 2024}}{{cite news |last=Bray |first=Jennifer |date=23 November 2023 |title=Election candidate Philip Sutcliffe quits Independent Ireland after it condemned his association with Conor McGregor |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/election-candidate-philip-sutcliffe-quits-independent-ireland-after-it-condemned-his-association-with-conor-mcgregor/ |work=Irish Independent |access-date=24 November 2024}}{{Cite news |title=Election candidate Philip Sutcliffe quits Independent Ireland after it condemned his association with Conor McGregor |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/23/election-candidate-philip-sutcliffe-quits-independent-ireland-after-it-condemned-his-association-with-conor-mcgregor/ |access-date=23 November 2024|newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}
On 26 November, the Irish Daily Mirror alleged that on 22 November Fine Gael had pressured RTÉ News on how the video of Simon Harris in Kanturk would be framed.{{cite news |date=26 November 2024 |title=Fine Gael in scramble to RTÉ before care worker video aired |url=https://evoke.ie/2024/11/26/news/irish-news/fine-gael-scramble-rte-care-worker-video |work= |location= |access-date=26 November 2024}} Later the same day, Fine Gael confirmed that contact had been made between the party and RTÉ, but insisted that communication between political party press offices and RTÉ was routine and a daily occurrence throughout the campaign. Mary Lou McDonald called the interaction "chilling" (recalling the same remark made by Simon Harris earlier in the campaign towards Sinn Féin) while Gary Gannon of the Social Democrats stated "The Taoiseach cannot have his cake and eat it. There were all sorts of videos put out of him dancing at the start of the campaign. We hear him talking a lot about a new energy but what was clearly lacking was a new empathy".{{cite news |last=Regan |first=Mary |date=26 November 2024 |title=Contact with RTÉ over carer exchange 'normal' – Harris |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1126/1483108-harris-rte-election/ |work=RTÉ News |access-date=26 November 2024}} How the political parties interact with the media has been another issue in the campaign. On 19 November during the launch of Sinn Féin's manifesto, it was noted by journalists that the manifesto contained a pledge to investigate RTÉ News coverage of the Gaza war if Sinn Féin enters government. Harris called the measure "chilling" while journalists from several Irish news outlets and the National Union of Journalists expressed deep concern about political interference in news coverage.{{multiref2
|1={{cite news |date=19 November 2024 |title=McDonald defends Sinn Féin plan to review RTÉ's Gaza coverage |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1120/1481906-ireland-politics/ |work=RTÉ News |location= |access-date=26 November 2024}}
|2={{cite news |last=Cox |first=James |date=20 November 2024 |title=Sinn Féin defends plan to investigate RTÉ, comparing it to BBC reviews |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/general-election-2024/sinn-fein-defends-plan-to-investigate-rte-comparing-it-to-bbc-reviews-1697782.html |work=TheJournal.ie |location= |access-date=26 November 2024}}
|3={{cite news |date=21 November 2024 |title=Editorial: Sinn Féin's plan to 'review' RTÉ's broadcasting decisions on Gaza smacks of autocracy |url=https://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/editorial-sinn-feins-plan-to-review-rtes-broadcasting-decisions-on-gaza-smacks-of-autocracy/a1086408617.html |work=Irish Independent |access-date=26 November 2024}}
|4={{cite news |date=20 November 2024 |title=Journalists' union expresses 'grave concern' over Sinn Féin plan to review RTÉ objectivity on Gaza |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/20/journalists-union-expresses-grave-concern-over-sinn-fein-plan-to-review-rte-objectivity-on-gaza/ |work=Irish Times |location= |access-date=26 November 2024}}
}}
Although she was due to give birth, the leader of the Social Democrats Holly Cairns continued to work throughout the campaign, switching to social media in the final week. On 29 November, the day of the poll, Cairns gave birth to a girl.{{cite news |date=27 November 2024 |title="She's here, we're completely in love with her": Holly Cairns gives birth to baby daughter |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/11/29/shes-here-were-completely-in-love-with-her-holly-cairns-gives-birth-to-baby-daughter/ |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=27 November 2024}}{{cite news |last=McNally |first=Tadgh |date=27 November 2024 |title=Soc Dems leader Holly Cairns welcomes baby girl on day of General Election |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41526851.html |work=Irish Examiner |access-date=27 November 2024}}
=Party manifestos and slogans=
=Television debates=
RTÉ hosted two leaders' debates. The first, on 18 November, featured the leaders of ten political parties, and was the largest leaders' debate in Irish history. The second, on 26 November, featured the leaders of the three largest parties: Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin.{{cite web|title=RTÉ announces comprehensive 2024 General Election coverage across TV, Radio, and Online to keep Ireland inform|website=RTÉ|date=11 November 2024|url=https://about.rte.ie/2024/11/11/rte-announces-comprehensive-2024-general-election-coverage-across-tv-radio-and-online-to-keep-ireland-inform/|access-date=11 November 2024}}
Three interviews were conducted on Virgin Media ONE with Collete Fitzpatrick with the leaders of the largest three parties: Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin. Virgin Media decided against debates, noting RTÉ's bail out and public funding.{{Cite web |last=Matthews |first=Jane |date=6 November 2024|title=Virgin Media will not hold a Leaders Debate during General Election |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/virgin-media-debates-6535025-Nov2024/ |access-date=27 November 2024|website=TheJournal.ie |language=en}}
Matt Copper's Last Word on Today FM and Sky News offered to host a three-way debate between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin. However, according to Fine Gael an official request was not made.{{Cite web |date=17 November 2024 |title=Fine Gael say no invitation for debate received after Sinn Féin accusation |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/general-election-2024/fine-gael-say-no-invitation-for-debate-received-after-sinn-fein-accusation-1696565.html |access-date=27 November 2024 |website=BreakingNews.ie |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=21 November 2024|title=Voters left 'short-changed' with new leaders debate |url=https://extra.ie/2024/11/21/news/general-election-2024/taoiseach-debate-election |access-date=27 November 2024 |language=en}}
| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" style="font-size:98%; text-align:center;" |
| colspan="14"| 2024 Irish general election debates |
|---|
| style="white-space:nowrap;" rowspan="3"| {{small|Date}}|| rowspan="3"| {{small|Broadcaster}} || rowspan="3"| {{small|Moderator(s)}} ||scope="col" colspan="10"| {{small|Participants — }} {{Colors|black|#90ff90| Name }} {{small|Participant }} {{Colors|black|#ff9090| N }} {{small|Party not invited/did not participate }} || rowspan="3"| {{small|Notes}} |
| scope="col" style="width:5em;"|{{small|{{nowrap|FF}}}}
! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|{{small|SF}} ! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|{{small|FG}} ! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|{{small|GP}} ! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|{{small|Lab}} ! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|{{small|{{nowrap|SD}}}} ! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|{{small|{{nowrap|PBP–S}}}} ! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|{{small|{{nowrap|II}}}} ! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|{{small|{{nowrap|Aon}}}} ! scope="col" style="width:5em;"|{{small|{{nowrap|RTC}}}} |
| style="background:{{party color|Fianna Fáil}};"|
! style="background:{{party color|Sinn Féin}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Fine Gael}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Green Party (Ireland)}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Labour Party (Ireland)}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Social Democrats (Ireland)}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|People Before Profit–Solidarity}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Independent Ireland}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Aontú}};"| ! style="background:{{party color|Right to Change}};"| |
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| 11 Nov
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| RTÉ One | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| Katie Hannon |{{Yes|{{small|Darragh O'Brien}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Ó Broin}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Donohoe}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{Yes|{{small|Bacik}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Hearne}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Boyd Barrett}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |Housing spokespeople debate{{cite news |last1=Bray |first1=Jennifer |title=Parties clash on housing in first major TV debate |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/12/parties-clash-on-housing-in-first-major-tv-debate/ |access-date=13 November 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=14 November 2024}} |
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| 12 Nov
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| RTÉ One | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| Sarah McInerney |{{Yes|{{small|Donnelly}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Cullinane}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{Yes|{{small|Smith}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |Health spokespeople debate{{cite news |last1=Dooley |first1=Hugh |title=Cullinane promises to change 'deeply unfair, two-tiered' health service in RTÉ debate |url=https://www.waterford-news.ie/news/cullinane-promises-to-change-deeply-unfair-two-tiered-health-service-in-rt%C3%A9-debate_arid-38205.html |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=Waterford News & Star |date=14 November 2024}} |
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| 14 Nov
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| RTÉ One | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| Fran McNulty |{{Yes|{{small|Jim O'Callaghan}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Ó Laoghaire}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|McEntee}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |Justice spokespeople debate{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/player/series/prime-time/SI0000000825?epguid=IH10002396-24-0082|title=Prime Time – RTÉ Player|website=RTÉ Player|date=14 November 2024|accessdate=30 November 2024}} |
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| 18 Nov
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| RTÉ One | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| Katie Hannon |{{Yes|{{small|Martin}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|McDonald}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Harris}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|O'Gorman}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Bacik}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Cian O'Callaghan}}}}{{efn|group=debate|Deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan standing in for leader Holly Cairns, due to Cairns being on maternity leave.}} |{{Yes|{{small|Boyd Barrett}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Michael Collins}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Tóibín}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Joan Collins}}}} |
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| 21 Nov
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| RTÉ One | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| Miriam O'Callaghan |{{Yes|{{small|McConalogue}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Kenny}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Heydon}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|O'Reilly}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{Yes|{{small|Moore}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{Yes|{{small|Fitzmaurice}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |Rural issues debate{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/player/series/prime-time-leaders-debate-with-isl/SI0000000825?epguid=IH10002396-24-0084|title=Prime Time – RTÉ Player|website=RTÉ.ie |date=21 November 2024|accessdate=30 November 2024}} |
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| 25 Nov
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| RTÉ One | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| Katie Hannon |{{Yes|{{small|Browne}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Carthy}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|McEntee}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|O'Gorman}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{Yes|{{small|Fitzmaurice}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Tóibín}}}} |{{No|N}} |Immigration debate{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/player/series/upfront-with-katie-hannon/10001371-00-0000?epguid=IH10003116-24-0025|title=Upfront With Katie Hannon – RTÉ Player|website=RTÉ.ie |date=25 November 2024|accessdate=30 November 2024}} |
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| 25 Nov
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| Premier Sports | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| Matt Cooper |{{Yes|{{small|Thomas Byrne}}}} |{{Yes|{{tooltip|{{small|Shane O'Brien}}|Candidate in Dún Laoghaire}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Richmond}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{Yes|{{tooltip|{{small|Moriarty}}|Darragh Moriarty, candidate in Dublin South-Central}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Gannon}}}} |{{Yes|{{tooltip|{{small|Reneghan}}|James Reneghan, People Before Profit candidate in Louth}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |Sports policy debate{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2024/11/21/premier-sports-to-host-live-election-debate-on-sports-policies/ | title=Premier Sports to host live election debate on sports policies | newspaper=The Irish Times }} |
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| 26 Nov
| style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| RTÉ One | style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;"| Miriam O'Callaghan |{{Yes|{{small|Martin}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|McDonald}}}} |{{Yes|{{small|Harris}}}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |{{No|N}} |
{{notelist|group=debate}}
==18 November debate==
The Irish Times stated the key issues discussed in the 18 November debate were housing, cost-of-living pressures, and healthcare, alongside broader questions of governance and political accountability. Housing dominated as the central topic, with Sinn Féin criticising government schemes like Help to Buy and First Homes, while Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil defended their approach. Mary Lou McDonald proposed that stamp duty should be abolished for new buyers. Another topic was how Apple's €14 billion tax payment should be spent. Leaders acknowledged the potential for this to be a "pocketbook election", with housing symbolising broader economic frustrations. During the debate, Fine Gael was criticised by Sinn Féin for running John McGahon as a candidate, who had been found liable for assault in the High Court. Taoiseach Simon Harris stood by McGahon, citing that he had been found not guilty in a trial in the Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court. Harris retorted that Sinn Féin "press officer is in prison tonight"; a reference to the recent conviction in Northern Ireland of Michael McMonagle for child sex offences.{{cite news |last=Bray |first=Jennifer |date=18 November 2024 |title='How dare you': Five key moments from the election debate as sparks fly between party leaders |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/18/election-debate-five-key-moments-as-sparks-fly-between-party-leaders/ |work=Irish Times |location= |access-date=21 November 2024}}{{cite news |last=Horgan-Jones|first=Jack |date=18 November 2024 |title=What did we learn from the election debate? |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/11/19/in-a-political-melee-the-odds-favour-those-who-are-already-strong-while-other-party-leaders-struggle-for-oxygen/ |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=21 November 2024}}{{cite news |date=8 November 2024 |title=Michael McMonagle jailed for child sex offences |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8g18r29djo |work=BBC News |access-date=21 November 2024}}
The smaller political parties focused on key issues like governance and policy direction. Independent Ireland's Michael Collins said his party would talk to anyone who would priorise their agenda while People Before Profit's Richard Boyd Barrett advocated for a left-leaning government, rejecting any support for Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil. Joan Collins of Right to Change highlighted public frustration with the two dominant parties and their handling of the housing and health crises. Labour's Ivana Bacik stressed the importance of a centre-left platform and constructive change, while Cian O'Callaghan of the Social Democrats made clear that any government must address housing issues. Aontú's Peadar Tóibín distanced his party from Fine Gael and the Greens but was open to Fianna Fáil, while Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman underscored that the Greens' participation in any coalition would depend on prioritising green policies.
Opinion polls
{{Main|Opinion polling for the 2024 Irish general election}}
On 1 November, Coimisiún na Meán announced the lifting of the reporting moratorium that had been in place since 1997, and which had prevented election coverage from 14:00 on the day prior to the election until the close of polls. However, the agency also advised broadcasters not to report on opinion polls or exit polls while voting is underway.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/1101/1478553-moratorium-rule/ |title=Broadcast moratorium rule for general elections to be scrapped |publisher=RTÉ News |date=1 November 2024|access-date=8 November 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnam.ie/coimisiun-na-mean-removes-traditional-broadcast-moratorium-for-election-coverage/ |title=Coimisiún na Meán removes traditional broadcast moratorium for election coverage |publisher=Coimisiún na Meán |date=1 November 2024|access-date=8 November 2024}}
Various organisations conduct regular opinion polls to gauge voting intentions. Results of such polls are displayed in the graph below.
The date range for these opinion polls is from the previous general election, held on 8 February 2020, to the close of poll for the 2024 general election.
File:Ireland 2024 polls.svgs.]]
;{{small|Color key:}}
{{legend2|#EAFFEA|Exit poll|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
;Notes
{{reflist|group="nb"}}
Results
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Polls opened at 7{{nbsp}}am UTC and closed at 10{{nbsp}}pm on 29 November.
Counting of the votes commenced at 9{{nbsp}}am on 30 November.{{Cite web |date=28 November 2024 |title=How to vote in General Election 2024|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1128/1483564-how-to-vote/|access-date=28 November 2024 |website=RTÉ News|first=Fiachra|last=Ó Cionnaith}}
Voter turnout reached a record low. According to RTÉ News, "The national turnout was down to 59.7%, marking the lowest turnout since 1923, the last time the number was below 60%."{{cite web
| title = Low turnout an issue in Exit Poll data – polling company
| first = Sandra
| last = Hurley
| date = 2024-12-01
| website = RTÉ News
| url = https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/1201/1484076-exit-poll-general-eleciton-2024/
}}
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Election to the 34th Dáil – 29 November 2024 | colspan="11" |File:Dáil Éireann after 2024 GE.svg |
| style="text-align:right; background-color:#E9E9E9; text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" colspan="2"|Party ! rowspan="2"|Leader ! colspan="3"|First-preference votes ! colspan="5"|Seats |
| style="text-align:right; background-color:#E9E9E9; text-align:center"
! data-sort-type="number"| {{abbr|Votes|First preference votes.}} ! data-sort-type="number"| {{abbr|FPv%|First preference votes percentage.}}{{efn|group=results|Parties are entitled to public funding proportionate to their first-preference vote (subject to a minimum 2% FPv).{{Cite web |title=Electoral Act 1997 |url=http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1997/act/25/enacted/en/print#partiii |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725162448/https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1997/act/25/enacted/en/print|archive-date=25 July 2024|access-date=27 November 2024|website=electronic Irish Statute Book (eISB) |page=Part III |language=en |no-pp=y}}}} ! data-sort-type="number"| Swing (pp) ! data-sort-type="number"| {{abbr|Cand.|Total candidates standing for each party.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1116/1481337-over-680-candidates-to-contest-election-24/|title=Over 680 candidates contesting Election 24 as nominations close|work=RTÉ News|date=19 November 2024|access-date=16 November 2024}} ! data-sort-type="number"| 2020 Irish general election ! data-sort-type="number"| {{abbr|Out.|TDs at the dissolution of the 33rd Dáil.}} ! data-sort-type="number"| Elected ! data-sort-type="number"| {{abbr|Change|Change in number of seats from the 2020 election to the 2024 election.}} |
| {{Party name with colour|Fianna Fáil}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Martin" |Micheál Martin |481,417 |21.86 |{{decrease}}0.32 |82 |38{{efn|group=results|name="cc2"|Including Seán Ó Fearghaíl (FF), returned automatically for Kildare South as outgoing Ceann Comhairle, under Art. 16.6 of the Constitution and the Electoral Act 1992.{{cite Irish legislation |year=1992|number=23|section=36|name=Electoral Act 1992|stitle=Re-election of outgoing Chairman of Dáil |access-date=19 November 2024|archive-date=11 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611091339/https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1992/act/23/section/36/enacted/en/html}}}} |36 |48{{efn|group=results|name="cc2"}} |{{increase}} 10 |
| {{Party name with colour|Sinn Féin}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="McDonald" |Mary Lou McDonald |418,627 |19.01 |{{decrease}}5.52 |71 |37 |33 |39 |{{increase}} 2 |
| {{Party name with colour|Fine Gael}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Harris"|Simon Harris |458,134 |20.80 |{{decrease}}0.06 |80 |35 |32 |38 |{{increase}} 3 |
| {{Party name with colour|Social Democrats (Ireland)}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Cairns"|Holly Cairns |106,028 |4.81 |{{increase}}1.91 |26 |6 |6 |11 |{{increase}} 5 |
| {{Party name with colour|Labour Party (Ireland)}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Bacik"|Ivana Bacik |102,457 |4.65 |{{increase}}0.27 |32 |6 |6 |11 |{{increase}} 5 |
| {{Party name with colour|Independent Ireland}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Collinsm"|Michael Collins |78,276 |3.55 |New |28 |New |3 |4 |New |
| {{Party name with colour|People Before Profit–Solidarity}}{{efn|group=results|name="PBPS"|People Before Profit and Solidarity contested this election as People Before Profit–Solidarity. People Before Profit had 33 candidates, and Solidarity had 9 candidates. They issued separate manifestos.}} {{small|•People Before Profit •Solidarity}} | style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="-"|Collective leadership |62,481 |2.84 |{{increase}}0.21 |42 |5 |5 |3 |{{decrease}}2 |
| {{Party name with colour|Aontú}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Tóibín"|Peadar Tóibín |86,134 |3.91 |{{increase}}2.01 |43 |1 |1 |2 |{{increase}} 1 |
| {{Party name with colour|Green Party (Ireland)}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="OGorman" |Roderic O'Gorman |66,911 |3.04 |{{decrease}}4.09 |43 |12 |12 |1 |{{decrease}} 11 |
| {{Party name with colour|100% Redress}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Devine" |Tomás Devine |6,862 |0.31 |New |1 |New |0 |1 |New |
| {{Party name with colour|Irish Freedom Party}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Kelly"|Hermann Kelly |14,838 |0.67 |{{increase}}0.42 |16 |0 |0 |0 |{{steady}} |
| {{Party name with colour|The Irish People (party)}}{{efn|group=parties|name=NationalAlliance}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Cahill"|Anthony Cahill |7,626 |0.35 |New |21 |New |0 |0 |New |
| {{Party name with colour|National Party (Ireland, 2016)}}{{efn|group=parties|name=NationalAlliance|Member party of the National Alliance}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Disputed"|Disputed |6,511 |0.30 |{{increase}}0.08 |9 |0 |0 |0 |{{steady}} |
| {{Party name with colour|Independents 4 Change}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="-"|None |5,166 |0.23 |{{decrease}}0.15 |3 |1 |0 |0 |{{decrease}} 1 |
| {{Party name with colour|Ireland First}}{{efn|group=parties|name=NationalAlliance}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Blighe" |Derek Blighe |3,339 |0.15 |New |2 |New |0 |0 |New |
| {{Party name with colour|Right to Change}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Collinsj" |Joan Collins |2,907 |0.13 |New |1 |New |1 |0 |New |
| {{Party name with colour|Liberty Republic}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Gilroy"|Ben Gilroy |1,936 |0.09 |New |6 |New |0 |0 |New |
| {{Party name with colour|Party for Animal Welfare}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Furlong"|Darren Furlong |884 |0.04 |New |3 |New |0 |0 |New |
| {{Party name with colour|Rabharta}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Bogue"|Lorna Bogue |626 |0.03 |New |3 |New |0 |0 |New |
| {{Party name with colour|Centre Party of Ireland}}{{efn|group=results|Formerly Renua.}}
| style="text-align:left;" data-sort-value="Kelly"| Andrew Kelly |548 |0.02 |{{decrease}}0.23 |3 |0 |0 |0 |{{steady}} |
| {{Party name with colour|Independent politician (Ireland)}}{{efn|group=ge20|Includes Séamus Healy who was a member of the Workers and Unemployed Action party but stood as an independent candidate in this election.{{Cite web |url=https://tipperaryreturningofficer.com/index.php/17-secondary-articles/57-nominations-tipperary-south-2 |title=Notice of Poll – Tipperary South 2024 |last= |first= |date= |website= |publisher= |access-date=3 December 2024 |quote=}}}}
| style="text-align:left;" |— |290,746 |13.20 |{{increase}}1.00 |171 |19 |20 |16 |{{decrease}} 3 |
| {{Party name with colour|Casual vacancy}}
| {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} | 5 | {{n/a}} | {{n/a}} |
| class="sortbottom"
| colspan=3 | Total valid | 2,202,454 |99.3 | rowspan=2 colspan=6 | |
| colspan=3 | Spoilt votes
| 15,843 | 0.7 |
| class="sortbottom" style="font-weight:bold; background:rgb(232,232,232);"
| colspan=3 | Total | 2,218,295 | 100 | — | 686 | 160 | 160 | 174{{efn|group=results|name="cc2"}} | {{increase}}14 |
| colspan=3 | Registered voters/Turnout
| 3,689,896 | 60.12 | {{decrease}} 2.59 | colspan=5 | |
| colspan=11 |Source : [https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/results/#/national RTÉ News] |
{{notelist|group=results|}}
=Seats summary=
{{bar box
|title=Dáil seats
|titlebar=#ddd
|width=600px
|barwidth=350px
|bars=
{{bar percent|Fianna Fáil|{{party color|Fianna Fáil}}|27.6}}
{{bar percent|Sinn Féin|{{party color|Sinn Féin}}|22.4}}
{{bar percent|Fine Gael|{{party color|Fine Gael}}|21.8}}
{{bar percent|Labour|{{party color|Labour Party (Ireland)}}|6.3}}
{{bar percent|Social Democrats|{{party color|Social Democrats (Ireland)}}|6.3}}
{{bar percent|Independent Ireland|{{party color|Independent Ireland}}|2.3}}
{{bar percent|PBP–Solidarity|{{party color|People Before Profit–Solidarity}}|1.7}}
{{bar percent|Aontú|{{party color|Aontú}}|1.1}}
{{bar percent|Green|{{party color|Green Party (Ireland)}}|0.6}}
{{bar percent|100% Redress|{{party color|100% Redress}}|0.6}}
{{bar percent|Independent|{{party color|Independent politician (Ireland)}}|9.2}}
}}
{{notelist}}
= Results by constituency =
| class="wikitable sortable"
! rowspan="3" |Constituency ! colspan="17" |Dáil constituencies |
| !
! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! rowspan="2" |Seats ! rowspan="2" |Quota ! rowspan="2" |Valid votes ! rowspan="2" |Spoiled votes ! rowspan="2" |Eligible elector- ate ! rowspan="2" |Turn- out |
|---|
| FF
!SF !FG !SD !Lab !Ind Ire !PBP-Sol !Aontú !GP !Other !Ind |
| Carlow–Kilkenny
|35.9% |17.2% |23.6% |4.9% |2.5% | |2.1% |3.4% |4.2% |1.3% |4.9% |5 |11,627 |69,761 |563 |120,821 |58.2% |
| Cavan–Monaghan
|27.0% |32.8% |21.4% | | |4.4% |1.4% |7.4% |1.1% |2.8% |1.7% |5 |11,542 |69,246 |658 |109,152 |64.0% |
| Clare
|37.8% |12.9% |24.6% |3.5% | |4.2% |1.3% |3.4% |6.2% |2.4% |3.6% |4 |12,182 |60,907 |459 |96,398 |63.7% |
| Cork East
|23.1% |13.7% |23.1% |10.0% | |2.0% |1.4% |3.7% |3.4% |0.7% |18.9% |4 |9,602 |48,009 |317 |83,545 |57.8% |
| Cork North-Central
|23.5% |17.4% |16.7% |5.9% |10.2% |9.7% |5.9% |3.2% |2.1% |4.2% |1.2% |5 |9,846 |59,071 |552 |102,250 |58.3% |
| Cork North-West
|36.7% |12.7% |34.8% | | |2.2% |2.0% |7.9% |2.5% | |1.3% |3 |10,712 |42,844 |266 |67,255 |64.1% |
| Cork South-Central
|36.8% |15.4% |16.2% |8.6% |4.8% |0.7% |1.4% |3.6% |3.4% |2.8% |7.1% |5 |10,451 |62,704 |423 |105,076 |60.1% |
| Cork South-West
|19.3% |4.8% |23.5% |19.9% |0.9% |23.3% |0.7% |1.5% |0.7% |0.6% |4.7% |3 |11,824 |47,294 |215 |74,364 |63.9% |
| Donegal
|23.9% |41.8% |9.0% | | | |0.8% |3.2% |1.1% |10.2% |10.0% |5 |12,771 |76,624 |697 |131,306 |58.9% |
| Dublin Bay North
|18.9% |19.7% |17.2% |14.9% |4.5% | |3.1% |3.8% |3.2% |4.5% |10.4% |5 |10,929 |65,568 |524 |110,574 |59.8% |
| Dublin Bay South
|13.9% |12.3% |25.5% |9.1% |14.3% | |3.4% |2.4% |8.2% |0.4% |10.6% |4 |7,957 |39,784 |195 |83,689 |47.8% |
| Dublin Central
|7.2% |23.3% |16.8% |13.3% |7.5% | |4.5% |2.2% |6.0% |4.9% |14.3% |4 |6,551 |32,754 |273 |63,190 |52.3% |
| Dublin Fingal East
|26.0% |14.4% |14.2% |10.6% |14.2% | |2.0% |4.1% |3.6% |8.1% |2.8% |3 |9,475 |37,899 |156 |62,465 |58.9% |
| Dublin Fingal West
|14.7% |23.1% |15.2% | |16.7% | |4.6% |3.9% |6.1% |3.2% |12.4% |3 |7,530 |30,117 |168 |51,455 |58.9% |
| Dublin Mid-West
|11.8% |32.0% |17.9% |6.1% |4.8% |3.8% |5.5% |3.1% |1.3% |3.8% |9.7% |5 |7,913 |47,476 |454 |85,769 |55.9% |
| Dublin North-West
|13.6% |30.7% |11.9% |14.1% |2.4% | |8.9% |4.2% |2.9% |4.3% |7.0% |3 |8,184 |32,733 |300 |58,462 |56.5% |
| Dublin Rathdown
|15.0% |7.3% |33.7% |8.8% |6.2% | |2.7% |3.7% |8.5% |0.8% |13.3% |4 |9,752 |48,759 |241 |80,852 |60.6% |
| Dublin South-Central
|10.7% |31.2% |8.2% |9.0% |6.6% |2.3% |8.9% |3.9% |6.1% |11.0% |2.2% |4 |7,469 |37,344 |475 |77,072 |49.1% |
| Dublin South-West
|19.5% |20.8% |19.1% |5.9% |8.7% | |7.6% |3.9% |2.9% |2.2% |9.5% |5 |11,138 |66,823 |558 |114,832 |58.7% |
| Dublin West
|22.3% |21.0% |15.4% |4.9% |5.5% | |8.0% |5.5% |6.6% |2.6% |8.1% |5 |7,373 |44,236 |357 |78,034 |57.1% |
| Dún Laoghaire
|15.9% |9.0% |36.0% |7.5% |5.7% | |12.2% |4.3% |7.7% |1.2% |0.6% |4 |11,134 |55,669 |247 |95,462 |58.6% |
| Galway East
|26.2% |13.8% |21.7% | | | |2.3% |2.9% |2.3% |1.1% |20.3% |4 |10,843 |54,214 |362 |87,791 |62.2% |
| Galway West
|16.8% |13.5% |18.8% |3.6% |3.3% |9.5% |1.5% |2.0% |3.1% |1.5% |26.4% |5 |10,047 |60,277 |375 |103,713 |58.5% |
| Kerry
|26.2% |16.3% |10.1% | |2.3% |1.3% |1.3% |1.8% |2.5% |0.9% |37.2% |4 |13,083 |78,495 |504 |120,868 |65.4% |
| Kildare North
|25.6% |14.1% |23.3% |13.3% |5.9% | |2.0% |3.8% |3.6% |3.3% |5.1% |5 |9,505 |57,029 |357 |95,055 |60.4% |
| Kildare South
|17.4% |16.9% |21.6% |7.4% |15.5% |2.5% |1.2% |3.9% |1.4% |2.2% |10.1% |4 |10,734 |42,934 |271 |74,243 |58.2% |
| Laois
|22.5% |12.8% |24.2% | | | |1.9% |2.7% |2.0% | |33.8% |3 |9,570 |38,276 |231 |65,873 |58.5% |
| Limerick City
|26.2% |17.3% |21.2% |6.7% |6.5% |1.6% |1.7% |4.7% |4.2% |2.3% |7.6% |4 |8,435 |42,174 |316 |77,753 |54.7% |
| Limerick County
|24.1% |13.2% |28.7% | | |23.1% |0.9% |2.9% |1.9% |1.7% |3.4% |3 |11,385 |45,536 |332 |75,018 |61.1% |
| Longford–Westmeath
|22.4% |15.1% |29.8% | |2.5% |4.8% |1.6% |3.1% |0.7% |1.4% |18.5% |5 |10,315 |61,884 |469 |106,814 |58.4% |
| Louth
|16.8% |32.4% |15.2% |2.4% |11.9% |0.5% |2.6% |3.7% |2.4% |4.2% |8.0% |5 |10,623 |63,735 |675 |104,799 |61.5% |
| Mayo
|20.0% |19.4% |35.1% | | |3.5% |1.7% |6.3% |1.3% | |12.7% |5 |11,812 |70,866 |451 |112,205 |63.6% |
| Meath East
|19.3% |22.1% |26.3% | |4.1% | |2.8% |6.6% |1.7% |2.0% |15.3% |4 |9,997 |49,983 |338 |84,272 |59.7% |
| Meath West
|17.3% |22.8% |16.3% |6.7% |1.1% | |1.3% |20.1% |1.5% |1.7% |11.1% |3 |9,427 |37,705 |230 |65,148 |58.2% |
| Offaly
|23.8% |16.6% |17.6% | | |5.5% |1.5% |0.8% |2.5% | |31.5% |3 |9,347 |37,385 |249 |62,931 |59.8% |
| Roscommon–Galway
|17.7% |19.5% |17.0% | | |29.2% |2.0% |1.9% |1.1% |0.5% |11.0% |3 |10,283 |41,128 |204 |62,727 |65.9% |
| Sligo–Leitrim
|25.4% |22.7% |15.8% | |3.7% |10.6% |2.9% |2.0% |1.3% |2.1% |13.6% |4 |11,381 |56,900 |416 |94,040 |60.9% |
| Tipperary North
|23.1% |9.5% |9.7% | |15.5% | |1.4% |1.9% |1.6% |1.0% |36.4% |3 |11,442 |45,766 |341 |70,214 |65.7% |
| Tipperary South
|14.2% |12.0% |20.4% | |4.2% |0.4% | |1.2% |1.4% |0.8% |45.4% |3 |10,270 |41,079 |284 |68,247 |60.6% |
| Waterford
|18.6% |33.0% |19.3% |5.1% |2.8% | |1.2% |3.1% |3.1% |0.9% |12.9% |4 |10,731 |53,650 |363 |97,153 |55.6% |
| Wexford
|16.9% |14.5% |15.0% | |13.8% | |1.5% |7.2% |1.4% |4.0% |25.6% |4 |10,502 |52,508 |336 |85,744 |61.6% |
| Wicklow
|6.2% |14.8% |34.9% |13.5% |3.5% | |2.2% |2.2% |4.1% |0.4% |18.1% |4 |11,415 |57,071 |340 |84,669 |67.8% |
| Wicklow–Wexford
|36.1% |20.2% |23.1% | | |1.7% |2.7% |3.5% |2.3% | |10.4% |3 |9,560 |38,236 |301 |63,003 |61.2% |
| Total
|21.86 |19.01 |20.80 |4.81 |4.65 |3.55 |2.84 |3.91 |3.04 |2.31 |13.20 |174 |10,155 (average) |2,202,454 |15,843 |3,689,896 |59.7% |
=TDs who lost their seats=
| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" style="font-size: 100%;" |
| colspan=2|Party
!Seats lost !Name !Constituency !Other offices held !Year elected |
|---|
| rowspan="10" style="background-color: {{party color|Green Party (Ireland)}}" |
| rowspan="10"|{{party shortname linked|Green Party (Ireland)}} | rowspan="10"|{{center|10}} |data-sort-value="Costello, Patrick"|Patrick Costello | |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Duffy, Francis Noel"|Francis Noel Duffy
| |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Hourigan, Neasa"|Neasa Hourigan
| |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Leddin, Brian"|Brian Leddin
| |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Martin, Catherine"|Catherine Martin
|Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media |2016 |
| data-sort-value="Matthews, Steven"|Steven Matthews
| |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Noonan, Malcolm"|Malcolm Noonan
|Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |2020 |
| data-sort-value="O'Brien, Joe"|Joe O'Brien
|Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development |2019 |
| data-sort-value="Ó Cathasaigh, Marc"|{{nowrap|Marc Ó Cathasaigh}}
| |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Smyth, Ossian"|Ossian Smyth
|Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform |2020 |
| rowspan="3" style="background-color: {{party color|Sinn Féin}}" |
| rowspan="3"|{{party shortname linked|Sinn Féin}} | rowspan="3"|{{center|3}} |data-sort-value="Andrews, Chris"|Chris Andrews | |2007{{efn|Andrews lost his seat in 2011 but regained it in 2020.}} |
| data-sort-value="Browne, Martin"|Martin Browne
| |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Tully, Pauline"|Pauline Tully
| |2020 |
| rowspan="3" style="background-color: {{party color|Fianna Fáil}}" |
| rowspan="3"|{{party shortname linked|Fianna Fáil}} | rowspan="3"|{{center|3}} |data-sort-value="Donnelly, Stephen"|Stephen Donnelly |2011 |
| data-sort-value="Flaherty, Joe"|Joe Flaherty
|{{nowrap|Longford–Westmeath}} | |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Rabbitte, Anne"|Anne Rabbitte
|Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth |2016 |
| rowspan="2" style="background-color: {{party color|People Before Profit–Solidarity}}" |
| rowspan="2"|{{party shortname linked|People Before Profit–Solidarity}} | rowspan="2"|{{center|2}} |data-sort-value="Barry, Mick"|Mick Barry | |2016 |
| data-sort-value="Kenny, Gino"|Gino Kenny
| |2016 |
| rowspan="2" style="background-color: {{party color|Fine Gael}}" |
| rowspan="2"|{{party shortname linked|Fine Gael}} | rowspan="2"|{{center|2}} |data-sort-value="Durkan, Bernard"|Bernard Durkan | |1981{{efn|Durkan was first elected to the Kildare constituency in 1981.}} |
| data-sort-value="Farrell, Alan"|Alan Farrell
| |2011 |
| rowspan="1" style="background-color: {{party color|Right to Change}}" |
| rowspan="1"|{{party shortname linked|Right to Change}} | rowspan="1"|{{center|1}} |data-sort-value="Collins, Joan"|Joan Collins | |2011 |
| rowspan="5" style="background-color: {{party color|Independent politician (Ireland)}}" |
| rowspan="5"|{{party shortname linked|Independent politician (Ireland)}} | rowspan="5"|{{center|5}} |data-sort-value="Berry, Cathal"|Cathal Berry | |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Pringle, Thomas"|Thomas Pringle
| |2011 |
| data-sort-value="Ryan, Patricia"|Patricia Ryan
| |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Shanahan, Matt"|Matt Shanahan
| |2020 |
| data-sort-value="Wynne, Violet-Anne"|Violet-Anne Wynne
| |2020 |
{{notelist}}
Violet-Anne Wynne and Patricia Ryan were elected as Sinn Féin TDs in 2020. However, both left the party before the election, running as independents. The 2024 election saw their first preference votes evaporate, with Wynne's diminishing by 96% and Ryan's by 93%, and both were eliminated extremely early. Some political commentators have suggested these might have been the greatest drops in first preference votes in Irish political history.{{cite news|date=30 November 2024 |title=2024 Clare general election results |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/results/#/clare |work=RTÉ News|access-date=30 November 2024}}{{cite news|date=30 November 2024 |title=2024 Kildare South general election results |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/results/#/kildare-south |work=RTÉ News|access-date=30 November 2024}}{{cite news |last=MacRedmond |first=David |date=1 December 2024 |title=Two independents who quit Sinn Féin as TDs see support fall off a cliff |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/patricia-ryan-violet-anne-wynne-former-sinn-fein-lose-votes-clare-kildare-6558777-Nov2024/ |work=TheJournal.ie |location= |access-date=1 December 2024}}
=First time TDs=
The 2024 election cycle was noted for the high rate of turnover in TDs. In this election, 66 candidates who had never sat in the Dáil previously were elected.{{cite news |last= |first= |date=3 December 2024 |title=More than 60 first-time TDs elected to the Dáil |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/election-24/2024/1202/1484106-new-tds/ |work=RTÉ News |location= |access-date=3 December 2024}}
| class="wikitable collapsible" style="font-size: 100%;" |
| colspan=2|Party
!No. of first time TDs !Name !Constituency |
|---|
| rowspan="23" style="background-color: {{party color|Fine Gael}}" |
| rowspan="23"|{{party shortname linked|Fine Gael}} | rowspan="23"|{{center|22}} |
| data-sort-value="Aird, William"|William Aird |
| data-sort-value="Boland, Grace"|Grace Boland |
| data-sort-value="Brennan, Brian"|Brian Brennan |
| data-sort-value="Butterly, Paula"|Paula Butterly |
| data-sort-value="Carrigy, Micheal"|Micheál Carrigy |
| data-sort-value="Callaghan, Catherine"|Catherine Callaghan |
| data-sort-value="Clendennen, John"|John Clendennen |
| data-sort-value="Cooney, Joe"|Joe Cooney |
| data-sort-value="Currie, Emer"|Emer Currie |
| data-sort-value="Cummins, John"|John Cummins |
| data-sort-value="Geoghegan, James"|James Geoghegan |
| data-sort-value="Keogh, Keira"|Keira Keogh
|Mayo |
| data-sort-value="McCarthy, Noel "|Noel McCarthy |
| data-sort-value="Maxwell, David"|David Maxwell |
| data-sort-value="Murphy, Michael"|Michael Murphy |
| data-sort-value="Neville, Joe"|Joe Neville |
| data-sort-value="OConnell, Maeve"|Maeve O'Connell |
| data-sort-value="OMuiri, Naoise"|Naoise Ó Muirí |
| data-sort-value="OShea, JohnPaul"|John Paul O'Shea |
| data-sort-value="Roche, Peter"|Peter Roche |
| data-sort-value="Timmins, Edward"|Edward Timmins |
| data-sort-value="Ward, Barry"|Barry Ward |
| rowspan="16" style="background-color: {{party color|Fianna Fáil}}" |
| rowspan="16"|{{party shortname linked|Fianna Fáil}} | rowspan="16"|{{center|15}} |
| data-sort-value="Ardagh, Catherine"|Catherine Ardagh |
| data-sort-value="Brabazon, Tom"|Tom Brabazon |
| data-sort-value="Brennan, Shay"|Shay Brennan |
| data-sort-value="Cahill, Michael"|Michael Cahill |
| data-sort-value="Cleere, Peter"|Peter Cleere |
| data-sort-value="Connolly, John"|John Connolly |
| data-sort-value="Daly, Martin"|Martin Daly |
| data-sort-value="Dempsey, Aisling"|Aisling Dempsey |
| data-sort-value="Dolan, Albert"|Albert Dolan |
| data-sort-value="McGreehan, Erin"|Erin McGreehan |
| data-sort-value="McGrath, Seamus"|Séamus McGrath |
| data-sort-value="McCormack, Tony"|Tony McCormack |
| data-sort-value="Moynihan, Shane"|Shane Moynihan |
| data-sort-value="OCearuil, Naoise"|Naoise Ó Cearúil |
| data-sort-value="OMeara, Ryan"|Ryan O'Meara |
| rowspan="11" style="background-color: {{party color|Sinn Féin}}" |
| rowspan="11"|{{party shortname linked|Sinn Féin}} | rowspan="11"|{{center|10}} |
| data-sort-value="Bennett, Cathy"|Cathy Bennett |
| data-sort-value="Byrne, Joanna"|Joanna Byrne |
| data-sort-value="Devine, Maire"|Máire Devine |
| data-sort-value="Newsome Drennan, Natasha"|Natasha Newsome Drennan |
| data-sort-value="Graves, Ann"|Ann Graves |
| data-sort-value="McGettigan, Donna"|Donna McGettigan |
| data-sort-value="McGuinness, Conor"|Conor D. McGuinness |
| data-sort-value="NiRaghallaigh, Shonagh"|Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh |
| data-sort-value="OHara, Louis"|Louis O'Hara |
| data-sort-value="OSuilleabhain, Fionntan"|Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin |
| rowspan="8" style="background-color: {{party color|Social Democrats (Ireland)}}" |
| rowspan="8"|{{party shortname linked|Social Democrats (Ireland)}} | rowspan="8"|{{center|7}} |
| data-sort-value="Cummins, Jen"|Jen Cummins |
| data-sort-value="Farrelly, Aidan"|Aidan Farrelly |
| data-sort-value="Gibney, Sinead"|Sinéad Gibney |
| data-sort-value="Hayes, Eoin"|Eoin Hayes |
| data-sort-value="Hearne, Rory"|Rory Hearne |
| data-sort-value="Quaide, Liam"|Liam Quaide |
| data-sort-value="Rice, Padraig"|Pádraig Rice |
| rowspan="8" style="background-color: {{party color|Labour Party (Ireland)}}" |
| rowspan="8"|{{party shortname linked|Labour Party (Ireland)}} | rowspan="8"|{{center|7}} |
| data-sort-value="Ahern, Ciaran"|Ciarán Ahern |
| data-sort-value="Kenny, Eoghan"|Eoghan Kenny |
| data-sort-value="Lawlor, George"|George Lawlor |
| data-sort-value="ODonoghue, Robert"|Robert O'Donoghue |
| data-sort-value="Sheehan, Conor"|Conor Sheehan |
| data-sort-value="Sherlock, Marie"|Marie Sherlock |
| data-sort-value="Wall, Mark"|Mark Wall |
| rowspan="3" style="background-color: {{party color|Independent politician (Ireland)}}" |
| rowspan="3"|{{party shortname linked|Independent politician (Ireland)}} | rowspan="3"|{{center|2}} |
| data-sort-value="Heneghan, Barry"|Barry Heneghan |
| data-sort-value="Toole, Gillian"|Gillian Toole |
| rowspan="2" style="background-color: {{party color|Independent Ireland}}" |
| rowspan="2"|{{party shortname linked|Independent Ireland}} | rowspan="2"|{{center|1}} |
| data-sort-value="OFlynn, Ken"|Ken O'Flynn |
| rowspan="2" style="background-color: {{party color|Aontú}}" |
| rowspan="2"|{{party shortname linked|Aontú}} | rowspan="2"|{{center|1}} |
| data-sort-value="Lawless, Paul"|Paul Lawless
|Mayo |
| rowspan="2" style="background-color: {{party color|100% Redress}}" |
| rowspan="2"|{{party shortname linked|100% Redress}} | rowspan="2"|{{center|1}} |
| data-sort-value="Ward, Charles"|Charles Ward |
Aftermath
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael won a combined 86 seats, just two short of the 88 required for a majority. Political commentators suggested that these parties could form a government, either as a minority government supported by independents, or in coalition with Labour or the Social Democrats.{{Cite web |title=Ireland's election is over, but the country faces weeks of talks before there's a government |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/irelands-election-faces-weeks-talks-gets-government-116378298 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=ABC News |language=en}}
Sinn Féin, which increased its number of seats from 37 to 39, has begun negotiating with the same two parties to form a left-wing minority government.{{Cite web |title=Fianna Fail largest party in Ireland as counting finishes |url=https://news.sky.com/story/fianna-fail-largest-party-in-ireland-as-counting-finishes-with-coalition-negotiations-set-to-begin-13265657 |access-date=2024-12-03 |website=Sky News |language=en}}
The Green Party lost all but one of its 12 TDs, making it one of the heaviest defeats suffered by the party in its history. Only the party leader, Roderic O'Gorman, retained his seat.{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/01/irish-greens-face-virtual-wipeout-after-general-election-rout|title=Irish Greens virtually wiped out in general election rout|date=1 December 2024|work=The Guardian|accessdate=4 December 2024}}
The Social Democrats had their best election result to date, increasing their number of seats from 6 to 11. Party leader Holly Cairns, who won re-election in Cork South-West, will be on maternity leave for the first six months of the term as she gave birth to a daughter on election day, making her the first Irish party leader to give birth while in office. Party deputy leader Cian O'Callaghan stepped in as interim party leader in her absence.{{Cite news |last=Wilson |first=Jade |date=16 June 2024|title=Holly Cairns could 'potentially' pause maternity leave during general election |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/06/16/holly-cairns-could-potentially-pause-maternity-leave-during-general-election/ |access-date=16 June 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}
The Labour Party increased its number of seats from six to 11. In a statement released after the election, Labour stated that it would only enter government with a "progressive, left-of-centre bloc with like-minded parties", as well as outlining their basic platform for negotiation.{{cite web |title=Statement from the Labour Party |date=5 December 2024 |url=https://labour.ie/news/2024/12/05/statement-from-the-labour-party-2/ |work=The Labour Party |access-date=6 December 2024}} On 19 December, Labour stated that it would not join a coalition with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.{{cite web |title=Irish Labour Party rules out junior role in next coalition |date=19 December 2024 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/irish-labour-party-rules-out-junior-role-next-coalition-2024-12-19/ |work=Reuters |access-date=21 December 2024}}
On 17 December, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael agreed to support Verona Murphy's candidacy for the position of Ceann Comhairle, in order to facilitate government formation talks between the two parties and the Regional Independent Group, of which Murphy was a member.{{Cite web |author1=Jane Matthews |author2=Christina Finn |date=2024-12-17 |title=FF and FG parliamentary parties agree to back Independent Verona Murphy as Ceann Comhairle |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/government-formation-january-6573664-Dec2024/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=TheJournal.ie |language=en}} The 34th Dáil met for the first time the next day and she was elected on the third count.{{Cite web |title=Independent TD Verona Murphy elected as first female Ceann Comhairle |url=https://www.westernpeople.ie/independent-td-verona-murphy-elected-as-first-female-ceann-comhairle_arid-41899.html |access-date=2024-12-18 |website=Western People |language=en}}
Negotiations on the formation of a coalition government continued over the Christmas and New Year period. On 15 January 2025, it was announced that an agreement had been reached to form a coalition government consisting of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and a number of independents from the Independent and Regional Independents technical groups, with Micheál Martin to be nominated as Taoiseach and Simon Harris as Tánaiste, and with three independent TDs to receive junior ministries. A programme for government was published later that day.{{cite news|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/vat-rate-for-food-led-hospitality-sector-to-be-cut-to-9-6594055-Jan2025/|title=Simon Harris likely to take beefed up Foreign Affairs role as PfG details revealed|last=Pepper|first=Diarmuid|publisher=The Journal|date=15 January 2025|access-date=17 January 2025}} Controversy arose in the following days when it was announced that some of those independents who were supporting the new government's formation but would not be receiving ministries were seeking to form a Dáil technical group to retain opposition speaking time. This was condemned by opposition parties, with Sinn Féin threatening legal action if Verona Murphy, the Ceann Comhairle—who prior to her election to that office had been a member of that same technical group—permitted this to happen.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2025/0117/1491340-ireland-politics/|title=Sinn Féin seeks legal advice over Regional Independents' speaking rights bid|last=Ó Cionnaith|first=Fiachra|publisher=RTÉ News|date=17 January 2025|access-date=17 January 2025}}{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2025/0116/1491332-dail-grouping-row/|title=Regional Independents make 'outrageous' bid for opposition Dáil rights|last=Regan|first=Mary|publisher=RTÉ News|date=16 January 2025|access-date=17 January 2025}}
The Dáil resumed on 22 January, but procedural disputes over the technical group issue overshadowed events, resulting in chaotic scenes as the Dáil was suspended four times, with no nominations for Taoiseach being taken. Aontú resigned from the Regional Independent Group, and joined the Independent Group.{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2025/0122/1492167-government-ireland/|title=Dáil adjourned until tomorrow amid chaotic scenes|publisher=RTÉ News|date=22 January 2025|access-date=22 January 2025}} On 23 January, Micheál Martin was elected again as Taoiseach in a 95-76 vote by the Dáil.{{cite web |title=Micheál Martin returns as Ireland’s prime minister after securing backing of parliament |url=https://apnews.com/article/ireland-micheal-martin-taoiseach-return-eab53d572e0400715276f89b962d92d5 |website=AP News |date=23 January 2025}}
Seanad election
The Dáil election was followed by the 2025 Seanad election to the 27th Seanad, in which polls closed on the 29 and 30 January.{{cite press release |url=https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ced78-minister-obrien-makes-orders-appointing-dates-and-times-for-seanad-eireann-general-election/ |title= Minister O'Brien makes Orders appointing dates and times for Seanad Éireann general election |date=15 November 2024 |publisher=Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |website=Government of Ireland}}
See also
References
;Poll references
{{reflist|group="p"|2}}
;General references
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{cite web|last1=Kavanagh|first1=Adrian|title=Candidates for the 2024/2025 General Election by Dáil constituency|url=https://adriankavanaghelections.org/2024/07/10/candidates-for-the-2024-2025-general-election-by-dail-constituency/|website=Irish Elections: Geography, Facts and Analyses|date=10 July 2024 }}
{{Irish elections}}